Horton's Mill (147 Lake St, White Plains-Battle of White Plains)
Technically located in the city of White Plains, this grist mill still stands today. It served an important purpose in the Revolutionary War battle, the Battle of White Plains in 1776. This grist mill was used to store ammunition for George Washington’s army during the Battle of White Plains.[1]Please note, this is a private residence. [1] Kelly, Jean. Town of Harrison Tricentennial, 1696-1996, 1996, p.20.
Merritt Hill, Battle of White Plains
This marker represents the historic actions that took place during the Battle of White Plains in 1776, despite a British victory. On October 28, 1776, a cannonball was fired towards 20 British horsemen approaching. Because of these actions, they retreated. [1]Those involved were General Heath, Colonel Malcom and Lt. Fenno. All these men were under General George Washington, ordered by Washington to defend Hatfield Hill.Merritt Hill is part of the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee Heritage Trail.“Directly across Lake Street from the encounter is the site of the Field Tavern, an important stop for stagecoaches traveling between New York and Connecticut. Today, one can still follow the old stagecoach route from White Plains, through Harrison, Armonk, Bedford Village and eventually to Danbury Connecticut.” [2] Situated outside of a private residence, is another Harrison Landmark marker. “On Old Lake Street in West Harrison, there is a milestone which marked this old stagecoach route. At the base is a bronze marker which reads "Preserved by Benjamin I. Taylor, Supervisor, Town of Harrison, July 4th 1926." Unfortunately the marker is in a state of deterioration and should be covered and enclosed. There are only a few known such markers in the Country.” [3][1] “Revolutionary Times.” Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.harrison-ny.gov/historian/pages/revolutionary-times.[2] “Revolutionary Times.” Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.harrison-ny.gov/historian/pages/revolutionary-times.[3] “Merritt Hill Historical Marker.” The Historical Marker Database, August 7, 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=25401.
War for American Independence Marker
Located on Merrit Hill on Lake Street and placed there by the Battle of White Plains Monument Committee in 1962, this signifies Harrison’s contribution to the battle. Inscription reads:The War for American IndependenceFrom October 28, 1776 until the British withdrawal on November 4, 1776 the Continental Army commanded by General George Washington engaged and held off the splendidly appointed British forces of General William Howe. This monument marking the eastern limit of the Patriot defenses during the Battle of White Plains is reverently erected in continuing memory of the valor and courage of our Forefathers, who untrained and ill equipped, remained steadfast until the enemy retired. The high ground to the south of this spot was occupied by the New York Regiment of Colonel William Malcolm. The hill to the north was occupied by the regiments under Major General William Heath. On October 28, and again on November 1, attempted enemy attacks upon these positions were turned back. [1][1] “The War for American Independence Historical Marker.” The Historical Marker Database, August 7, 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=24440.
100 Old Lake Street
Known to many as the Shelley Farmhouse, this former meeting place of early colonists was built in approximately 1730, predating the Revolutionary War. Built by the Revolutionary War Captain William Shelley and his brothers, it still stands and includes hitching rings in the front stone wall. “The house is constructed with wooden pegs, handmade nails, and joined by mortise and tennon.” [1] Shelley fought in the Battle of White Plains. [2] Despite some modern updates, it still holds its original charm. More photos of the home can be seen on Lohud.com.Please note, this is a private residence. [1] Kelly, Jean p. 83.[2] Cameron, Christopher. “William Shelley: William Shelley Home: 100 Old Lake Street.” The Real Deal, September 4, 2016. https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2016/09/04/buy-a-piece-of-american-history-for-1-25m/.
Charles Dawson History Center
Charles Dawson was a Harrison High School art teacher who devoted himself after retirement to preserving Harrison’s history. He founded the Harrison History Preservation Board in 1971 and in 1980, Dawson set up a center in the local library. Upon his death, his large collection was sorted and cataloged to a new center, named in his honor. [1] A great deal of information provided in this tour is from this center. More than forty years after Dawson’s death, volunteers are still going through his collection.Current Historian, Greg Ricci, can show you the various artifacts he has collected, and prepared from past historians, like stone arrowheads, maps, plaques and business signs.[1] Historian. harrisonny. (n.d.). https://www.harrison-ny.gov/historianIf you are truly interested in the history of this town, you will make an appointment to visit the Charles Dawson History Center. Dedicated to past historian, Charles Dawson in 1981, there is so much to see and read in this center. Over three hundred years of newspaper articles about the residents and the town give a solid picture of what was like through the decades.
Old School Bell-Harrison Landmark
At 1 Park Lane, you will see a monument dedicated to the 1840 Lake Street school district made of the school bell that was hung in the bell tower. This school bell was salvaged by a Harrison school custodian, Paul Salri, when the school was abandoned in 1974. This Harrison Landmark is now the Park Lane Club House, and the Charles Dawson History Center is located in the lower level of the club house.
Stage Coach-Harrison Landmark (outside 278 Old Lake St)
Situated outside 278 Old Lake Street, this is to honor Postmaster Benjamin Franklin and his invention of a device to put on stagecoach wheels to determine the number of miles between mile markers. Mile markers were used to determine the costs associated with delivering mail. The railroad eventually deemed these mail routes unnecessary. This marker indicated the halfway point from New York City and Danbury, Connecticut.
Stony Hill Cemetery
One of the most significant locations on Buckout Road and of Harrison’s history, this cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 55-page submission was made in April of 1999, and approved in June of 1999. [1] Those buried here are the topic in Edith Quinn Caro’s book, “The Hills” in the Mid-Nineteenth Century, the History of a Rural Black Community In Westchester County, New York.[2] Caro wrote this after completing her 1986 thesis. The former Town Historian turned college professor details the history of one of the largest concentrations of African Americans that were emancipated by Quaker settlers in the late 1700’s. 36 of the men in this community fought in the Civil War, 13 of which are buried here. [3] These men faced great hardship. The headstones are hard to find, but the history of those buried here is worth looking for. Aside from Caro’s book, more information about this community can be found on the findagrave.com listing. “Located on Buckout Rd., in the Silver Lake area. This cemetery is the burial site for freed slaves as well as for African-American war veterans. The land on which it is located was provided by John Harrison, member of the Quakers. This area, called "The Hills", was home to an African-American community, established by freed slaves around 1800. There may be as many as 200 individuals buried here, mostly in unmarked graves.”[4]Some of the names of the Civil War veterans buried here are Harvey Seymour, Joseph Griffen, Thomas Butler, David Barker. While Civil War soldier Simeon Pierce was not buried here, he is well documented from being from this community and serving with Seymour, Griffen, Butler and Barker. He died while in service and many letters he wrote to his family can be found online here: https://www.harrisonpl.org/harrison-remembers/items/show/98. John Lea Brown, the only casualty in the Civil War is also buried here. [1] “United States Department of the Interior. National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places. Stony Hill Cemetery.” National Archives and Records Administration, n.d. https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75323257.[2] Caro, Edythe Quinn. “The Hills” in the Mid-Nineteenth Century; the History of a Rural Black Community in Westchester County, New York. Lehman College, 1987.[3] Caro, Edythe Quinn. “The Hills” in the Mid-Nineteenth Century; the History of a Rural Black Community in Westchester County, New York. Lehman College, 1987.[4] Stony Hill Cemetery in White Plains, New York. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2299166/stony-hill-cemetery.Learn more about the peope who lived in the Stony Hill community here: https://www.harrisonpl.org/harrison-remembers/collections/show/1
Nike Base
What is now a Town of Harrison Department of Public Works facility, was once a Defense Department (DD) missile site in the 1950’s. The DD used the site as a control base to launch Nike Hercules nuclear warheads.[1] Soldiers assigned to the base also used it as a barracks. In 1970, Harrison purchased the 36 acre site from the Federal Government for $105,000 with the intent to use it as a recreational area for residents. That use never came to fruition, but it has been utilized for different municipal purposes throughout the years.[1] Kelly, Jean. Town of Harrison Tricentennial, 1696-1996, 1996, p.31.
Cranberry Lake Preserve, Old Orchard St
Named after the cranberries that grow here, Cranberry Lake Preserve is a beautiful park with a Nature Center. You can learn about this area's past by following the history trail to the remains of a 19th-century farmhouse and early 20th-century stone-mining operation. [1]"Formed by glaciers approximately 18,000 years ago, Cranberry Lake is an ancient natural lake, fed by an underground spring." [2] Many of the stones used to build Kensico Dam came from here. You can see relics from trains used to cart the stones. A stone chamber can also be seen. Here is a link to the History Trail MapRulesCranberry Lake Preserve is a designated Biodiversity Reserve Area. Please keep this park a special place for wildlife by observing the following rules:Take nothing but photos -all plants, animals and minerals are protected.Service animals welcome.Bicycles are not allowed on any of the trails- we recommend Graham Hills park.Fishing is prohibited- we recommend Kensico Reservoir and Wampus Pond.Stay on designated hiking trails.Carry out what you carry in.If you see areas in the preserve that need maintenance, please report them to the nature center.Report any violation of these rules.[1][1] “Department of Parks.” Cranberry Lake Preserve. Accessed November 9, 2024. https://parks.westchestergov.com/cranberry-lake.[2] Westchestergov. Accessed November 9, 2024. https://parks.westchestergov.com/images/stories/pdfs/CranberryLakeHistoryTrail.pdf.
